Dr. Akhavan places your personal comfort high on our list of priorities and that’s one reason that we offer conscious sedation during our dental procedures. For anyone who has dental phobias or who may require lengthy treatments, nitrous oxide and mild oral sedatives can make a tremendous difference in your overall dental experience. Despite the remarkable technological advances that have made dentistry virtually pain- and worry-free, fear and anxiety can still turn a trip to the dentist into a nail-biting occasion. When negative feelings about dental visits have taken over, local anesthetics are not enough to change your mind.

Fortunately, safely administered oral or inhaled sedatives can quickly put you at ease during your appointment. Conscious sedation (a form of sedation which allows you to remain awake) is an excellent way to overcome dental anxiety so that you can receive the appropriate quality of dental care.

How Does Conscious Sedation Work?

Conscious sedation dentistry describes a technique in which you are able to enjoy a deep state of relaxation while remaining awake during a dental procedure. While you are awake and able to respond to normal verbal cues, you won’t feel pain and your mind won’t linger on fearful or disturbing thoughts. During any dental procedure, it is important to keep the lines of communication open between the patient and the dentist, and that’s what makes conscious sedation such an excellent option – you will retain the ability to communicate with our team in a calm and relaxed manner.

How is Conscious Sedation Administered?

Sedatives can be inhaled in the form of nitrous oxide or laughing gas, or consumed by mouth in the form of a pill or a liquid.

Inhalation Sedation

Produces a light feeling of sedation when breathed through a nose mask and is immediately reversed when 100% oxygen is breathed through the same mask at the end of the procedure.

Oral Sedation

Produces a deeper feeling of sedation when prescription medication is taken by mouth an hour before the appointment. Oral sedatives typically have a slower onset, produce a deeper sensation, and have a longer recovery period. Patients who opt for oral sedation must be escorted to our office and back home by an adult driver.

If you suffer from a fear of needles, a previous history of unpleasant dental visits, or require lengthy and complex procedures, please call our office today to learn more about conscious sedation dentistry.